The Los Angeles Rams will have more position battles than usual this offseason, which isn’t ideal considering the coronavirus pandemic has prevented teams from getting on the practice field thus far. It’s not yet known when training camp will take place or in what capacity, but at some point, players will be practicing and competing together.
There are important battles to be sorted out along the offensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary, as well as at the voids left by Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.
It’s still early in the offseason and the competition won’t heat up until camp, but here are our predictions for which players will win each positional battle before the 2020 season.
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Right tackle
Rob Havenstein vs. Bobby Evans
Havenstein started the year at right tackle but played extremely poorly before getting hurt and missing the final few games. That thrusts Evans into the starting lineup, who appeared to be an upgrade over Havenstein.
However, Evans got a lot of help from his right guard and tight ends, rarely being left one-on-one to block pass rushers. Considering Havenstein’s salary of more than $8 million, it’s hard to imagine him remaining on the roster as a backup.
In all likelihood, unless he’s traded, Havenstein will be the Week 1 starter at right tackle.
Winner: Havenstein
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Inside linebacker
Micah Kiser vs. Kenny Young vs. Travin Howard vs. Troy Reeder vs. Clay Johnston
Kiser is the front-runner to win one of the two starting jobs, but the other spot is completely up for grabs. Brandon Staley said it’ll be an “open competition” at inside linebacker, which means we could see Howard, Young or Reeder starting at some point.
In Week 1, though, I think it’ll be Kiser and Howard in the middle of the defense. Kiser is a good run defender and Howard has good range in coverage, making them a nice complementary pairing.
Winners: Kiser and Howard
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Outside linebacker
Samson Ebukam vs. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo vs. Terrell Lewis vs. Jachai Polite
Ebukam has been a starter before, but that won’t give him an edge in Staley’s eyes. He’ll still have to earn a starting gig, which won’t be easy due to the talent the Rams have at outside linebacker.
Okoronkwo is a better pure pass rusher and Lewis possesses the most potential out of anyone in this group. Okoronkwo isn’t a long edge rusher like Staley wants his OLBs to be, but he’ll flash enough in camp to earn the starting job – for a little while.
By season’s end, Lewis could be the starter opposite Leonard Floyd.
Winner: Okoronkwo
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Center
Brian Allen vs. Austin Blythe
The Allen experiment was a mess last season with the second-year player looking overmatched by his opponents. Blythe was much better at center than he was at guard – and better than Allen, too – last season and he should maintain that job in 2020.
What could stop Blythe from being the starting center is him beating out the others at either left or right guard, where he could also compete. But I think he’ll edge out Allen and remain at center.
Winner: Blythe
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Left guard
Austin Corbett vs. Joseph Noteboom vs. Austin Blythe
Corbett played relatively well after he took over as the starting left guard last season, but not well enough to be a lock to remain the starter in 2020. He’ll still have to win the job outright over his competitors, which is probably easier said than done.
The Rams loved Corbett out of Nevada a few years ago when he was the 33rd overall pick by the Browns, and they’ll give him a chance to prove himself next season.
Winner: Corbett
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Right guard
David Edwards vs. Austin Blythe vs. Tremayne Anchrum
Edwards came into the NFL as a right tackle, but he was needed at guard last season and looked comfortable in that role. Assuming Blythe is the starting center, Edwards has a clear path to the right guard job.
He’s a powerful run blocker and should get even better next season with a year of NFL experience under his belt. Anchrum will be at a disadvantage due to the shortened offseason, which puts him behind schedule compared to veterans.
Winner: Edwards
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Nickel corner
David Long Jr. vs. Darious Williams vs. Terrell Burgess
Staley specifically mentioned Williams as a guy who played well late last season, but Long was no slouch, either. He’s a former third-round pick who can play inside or outside, whereas the 5-foot-9 Williams is better suited in the slot.
Staley wants his defensive backs to be versatile and Long will give him a lot of options. Burgess will also be in the mix, but Staley said he’s most likely going to be a “safety to start” but could also contribute at nickel.
Winner: Long
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Running back
Cam Akers vs. Darrell Henderson vs. Malcolm Brown
This isn’t as important of a competition as some of the other spots because the Rams will split carries between all three backs, most likely. But there will still be a “starter” named at some point, and that player will probably carry the load on first and second down.
Akers fits better as the No. 1 back than Henderson does, which is why he’ll probably win the job in camp – whenever that is. But Henderson will play plenty and contribute as a change-of-pace back in Year 2.
Winner: Akers
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
No. 3 receiver
Van Jefferson vs. Josh Reynolds
Reynolds has the advantage of experience while Jefferson might have more upside thanks to his speed and route-running. Les Snead said he’s a similar player to that of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, which is an exciting thought.
However, with the offseason consolidated and rookies having less time to learn the ins and outs of the NFL – specifically for a receiver, the route tree – Reynolds will be the No. 3 receiver early on. Don’t rule out Jefferson getting meaningful snaps, however.
Winner: Reynolds
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Backup quarterback
John Wolford vs. Bryce Perkins vs. Josh Love
This is not a great group or one with much experience, but it’s what the Rams are rolling with … for now. Sean McVay said he’d be comfortable with Wolford as the Rams’ backup if it came to that, which it very well could.
Wolford and Perkins are athletic and mobile, while Love is more of a pocket passer with a big arm. Wolford will have the edge based on experience and the trust of the coaching staff, having spent a year in the system.
Winner: Wolford
